Efficacy Of Abdominal Exercises With And Without Elastic Therapeutic Taping In Reducing Diastasis – Recti Among Post-Partal Females

Pregnancy induces significant physical and mental transformations. The expanding uterus and fetus exert increased pressure on the abdominal muscles and connective tissues. These forces often cause the linea alba to stretch and occasionally split, leading to diastasis recti. Diastasis recti can contribute to lower back pain and strain due to overworked or compensatory muscles, unstable core, pelvic and back muscles, poor posture, shallow breathing, and uterine prolapse. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of abdominal exercises alone and abdominal exercises combined with elastic therapeutic taping in reducing diastasis recti in postpartum females, and to compare their respective effects. Thirty postpartum females were randomly assigned to two groups- control and taping group with fifteen females in each group. Control group was provided with conventional exercises like Static abdominal exercise, Head lift, Head lift and pelvic tilt, Pelvic clock exercise which were to be done twice a day with a repetition of 5-7 times for a duration of 4 weeks. Another group of was given exercises in addition to elastic therapeutic taping. Tape was applied in a crisscross design, beginning just below the breast and extending to the superior pubis, twice a week for 4 weeks on the rectus abdominis. Ultrasonography was used to measure diastasis recti before and after the study. The result showed that conventional exercises, as well as conventional exercises combined with taping, are effective in reducing diastasis recti in postpartum females. However, it is found that taping in conjunction with conventional exercises is more effective.